Ashlee Palmer loves the spot he is in .

After three seasons with the Detroit Lions playing mostly special teams, he is one of three leading candidates to replace Justin Durant at outside linebacker.

Palmer, along with Tahir Whitehead and Travis Lewis, are considered the top contenders for the position.

The 27-year-old Palmer has something neither of them do — experience. He played in all 16 games each of the last three seasons. And in that span he has seven starts at linebacker including two in 2012.

He loves special teams and even when he started was able to contribute. He understands if he wins the starting position, he might not see as much time on special teams.

For now Palmer is helping the youngsters.

“It’s like I was, I was one of them and I wanted to be up there with the big guys, I wanted to start,’’ Palmer said. “I’m considered a vet, it’s different because I have young guys pushing me, I’m doing a lot more teaching now.’’

Palmer was originally claimed off waivers by the Lions in February 2010. He had been waived two days earlier by the Buffalo Bills who signed him as an undrafted free agent out of MIssissippi in 2009.

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